Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Firstly we would like to thank all of the people who submitted letters and emails to the Planning Inspectorate recently to support the enforcement notices served by Thurrock Council on T&S Multiservices. Over 100 of you took the time and the trouble to write individual letters and emails to support our case. OCRAG also submitted a combined letter to the Inspectorate on behalf of all residents.

As we explained in our last update letter in August, the whole matter will now be decided by an Inspector appointed by the Planning Inspectorate at a public enquiry. This enquiry will be held on 6th and 7th January 2009 at the Civic Offices in Grays. On the 6th January the enquiry will commence at 10 a.m. finishing around 4 p.m. The start time on 7th January will be determined by the Inspector. An independent barrister and planning expert have been appointed by Thurrock Council to argue the case for the enforcement of their notices.

OCRAG have already submitted an official request to the Planning Inspectorate to represent the case for all local residents. Also, all three Ockendon and all three Belhus councillors have expressed a wish to speak on behalf of local voters. We believe that the Inspector may ask at the public enquiry if anybody else wishes to speak, but time constraints may limit the number of people allowed to speak.

Obviously the OCRAG Committee members will be there to represent your views but we would urge that as many concerned residents as possible, that can spare the time, should attend the enquiry on 6th and 7th to demonstrate to the Inspector that this is a vitally important issue to local residents. There will be limited amount of transport available for those people wishing to attend but who do not have their own transport and if this is required please use our Freephone number 0800 083 2596 or e-mail ocrag@live.co.uk.

We continue to hold meetings and liaise by e-mail with Thurrock Council and all local councillors to ensure that we are all working to present a united front against T&S Multiservices to have the best possible chance of achieving the result that all local residents want.

For anybody wanting further information please contact us on our Freephone number 0800 083 2596 or email ocrag@live.co.uk and we shall get back to you.